Georgetown is readying itself to welcome new road surfaces, more green space and improved footpaths in its shopping precinct.

City of Newcastle (CN) will kick off work on a multi-million-dollar project to enrich the look and feel of the neighbourhood, while enhancing safety and accessibility for all residents.

Widened walkways are expected to make it easier to navigate Georgetown on foot, with seating and landscaped areas, including 30 new trees, augmenting the atmosphere.

The current stage of the venture is also set to deliver better surfaces on Georgetown Road and Moate Street for a smoother drive.

Council’s interim executive manager project management office Matthew Bennett said the undertaking would improve the already thriving village centre.

“Georgetown has a strong business community,” he explained.

“So, this project will help create a more engaging environment for visitors to stop, shop and enjoy.

“Similar developments across the city at local centres like Llewellyn Street in Merewether and Beresford Avenue in Beresfield have delivered for those communities… and we’re excited to see the benefits this will bring to Georgetown.”

New pedestrian and shared crossings will make it safer for walkers and increase connectivity to the city’s growing cycleway network, while key infrastructure changes include moving overhead power lines underground to increase tree canopy, upgrading a 100-year-old water main, and improvements to stormwater drainage.

Initial work on the project was completed last year, including speed control devices to improve safety in the area and the installation of two 60kw electric vehicle charging stations to support CN’s commitment to sustainability.

A new public plaza at the intersection of Moate Street and Georgetown Road will form part of a future stage, with the community to be invited to have its say on the design early next year.

Georgetown is being upgraded through City of Newcastle’s Local Centres program, which invests in areas across Newcastle.

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